Rockledge, FL (December 9, 2013) – Saturday, December 7, the Health First Training Center and the trauma team from Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center provided local law enforcement officers and first responders the basic medical care interventions that could help save their life in the event of an emergency. Members of six local law enforcement agencies participated in the life-saving course and learned how they can help themselves and others if they are injured in the field. Law enforcement members took part in a paintball gun exercise to practice responding to real-time emergency situations.

“When someone is severely injured, actions taken and decisions made within that first hour are crucial to obtaining the best possible outcome for a patient,” said Health First Trauma Surgeon and co-creator of the program Dr. Peter Pappas. “Without life-saving care in the field, many victims would never survive to benefit from the advanced care services of the Trauma Center at Holmes Regional Medical Center or any hospital.”

Program leaders say bringing life-saving care closer to the initial time of injury during tactical events is critical. Following the tragic death of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Barbara Pill last year, they wanted to do something to provide training to tactical operators who are already in harm’s way.

Beginning in 2014, this program will be offered several times a month. “We will also conduct closed courses for about 450 deputies and agents of the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and over 120 officers of the Melbourne Police Department,” said Health First Training Center Supervisor David Schmitt. “Officials with these agencies and others have committed to providing their Law Enforcement Officer's with this life-saving training.”

This program is the first of its kind in Brevard County and is the only one in the state of Florida approved by the National Association of EMT’s (NAEMT) to offer this Law Enforcement First Responder-Tactical Casualty Care course.

About Health First

Founded in 1995, Health First is a fully integrated health system. The not-for-profit employs more than 7,500 people and has four hospitals (including Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, Cape Canaveral Hospital and Viera Hospital). Health First Health Plans also offers a wide variety of health insurance plan options for Brevard and Indian River Counties. In addition, Health First is home to Brevard County’s only Trauma Center. Health First Medical Group is the largest multi-specialty physician group on the Space Coast. Health First offers numerous outpatient and wellness services, including four Pro-Health and Fitness Centers. Visit www.Health-First.org for more information.